Baton Rouge, La. — The Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections announced that staff at Dixon Correctional Institute (DCI) uncovered illegal drugs during a vehicle search on Tuesday, Dec. 23, leading to the arrests of two visitors.
During a routine security process, a correctional professional identified an irregularity while conducting a body scan of a visitor, later identified as Terrionna Brown. Brown abruptly exited the facility, prompting staff to question her at the vehicle in which she arrived. While speaking with Brown, officers detected the odor of marijuana and requested assistance from a K-9 unit.
A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately 27 grams of marijuana and synthetic cannabinoids, along with Suboxone 8A and opioid-laced paper. Tidasha Garner was located inside the driver’s seat of the vehicle at the time of the search. Brown later admitted to attempting to introduce the contraband into the facility.
Both women were taken into custody by the East Feliciana Parish Sheriff’s Office and charged with multiple offenses. Brown was charged with violation of Louisiana Revised Statute (La. R.S.) 14:402, introduction of contraband; La. R.S. 40:966(C), possession of Schedule I controlled dangerous substances; and La. R.S. 40:966(A), distribution with intent to distribute heroin. Garner was charged with violation of La. R.S. 14:402, introduction of contraband; two counts of La. R.S. 40:966(C), possession of Schedule I controlled dangerous substances; La. R.S. 40:966(A), distribution with intent to distribute heroin; and La. R.S. 40:968(A), distribution with intent to distribute Suboxone.
“Contraband of any kind, especially illegal drugs, does not belong within a correctional facility,” said Dustin Bickham, warden of Dixon Correctional Institute. “Our staff handled this situation in an excellent manner and prevented these substances from reaching their intended destination inside the facility.”
Louisiana law strictly prohibits the introduction, attempted introduction, or possession of contraband on the grounds of any state correctional facility. Violations may result in criminal charges, and incarcerated individuals may face disciplinary action, including loss of visitation privileges or extended sentences.
The department encourages all visitors to review and follow visitation guidelines to avoid arrest. Visitation policies are available on the department’s website.